The 22nd Annual Oregon Book Awards honored three University professors for their recent publications at a reception Nov. 9 at the Portland Art Museum.
More than 30 finalists were up for the award, sponsored as part of Literary Arts.
Law Professor Steven W. Bender won the Frances Fuller Victor Award for the General Nonfiction category for his book, “One Night in America: Robert Kennedy, Cesar Chavez, and the Dream of Dignity.” His book illustrates the friendship and visions of both Kennedy and Chavez.
“It is an honor to contribute to the literary culture of a state that takes reading and the craft of writing so seriously,” said Bender. Because the book took many years of research, he said “receiving an award validates that effort.”
A father and son’s travels to San Francisco to learn about their murdered family member are chronicled in “Bearing the Body,” Ken Kesey Award for Fiction winner.
Creative writing Professor Ehud Havazelet wants his novel to be viewed as more than a story, but as a reflection and examination of human conditions.
“I hope my book qualifies as a serious examination of the human condition as it applies to various issues – history, family, silence, the crush of guilt – and as such, would be a worthwhile few hours for any student to commit,” said Havazelet.
Journalism professor Lauren Kessler was named the winner of the Sarah Winnemucca Award for the Creative Nonfiction category. Her book, “Dancing with Rose: Finding Life in the Land of Alzheimer’s,” reflects her personal experiences attending to Alzheimer’s patients at a residential facility for several months.
University faculty members have been previous winners of these awards, and this is the second year in a row a University faculty member received a general nonfiction award.
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